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Lionel Messi will add another achievement to his illustrious career. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, will award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom this Saturday, making him the first Argentine and the first male footballer to receive this highest civilian honor.
The ceremony will be held in the East Room of the White House, where 18 other prominent figures will also be recognized, as reported by the Argentine newspaper La Nación.
The distinction recognizes not only his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time but also his humanitarian commitment. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, the player supports health and education programs for children in vulnerable situations. Additionally, his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador highlights his impact beyond the sports arena.
Messi, with eight Ballon d'Or awards and 45 team trophies, is the most decorated player in the history of professional football. In 2024, he was named MLS MVP after an exceptional season with Inter Miami, scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists in 19 matches. These achievements cement his legacy as a global icon.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, honors meritorious contributions to world peace, culture, and social progress. Among the notable recipients are figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Simone Biles, and Steven Spielberg.
In this edition, alongside Messi, honorees will include chef José Andrés, Bono, Magic Johnson, and Hillary Clinton, among others. Biden emphasized that the award recipients embody the values of prosperity, peace, and justice.
The ceremony will symbolically close Biden's presidency, which will end in 16 days, and it marks a milestone in the connection between sports, culture, and social engagement on a global scale.
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